single parent

noun

a parent or guardian who brings up a child or children alone, without a partner.
Being a single parent isn’t easy.

single-parent

[sing-guhl-pair-uhnt, ‐-par-uhnt]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

of or noting a family in which a parent brings up a child or children alone, without a partner: a single-parent household.
a single-parent family;
a single-parent household.

single parent

noun

Also called (NZ): solo parent.��
1. a person who has a dependent child or dependent children and who is widowed, divorced, or unmarried
2. ( as modifier )
  a single-parent family

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Word History and Origins

Origin of single parent¹

First recorded in 1850–60

Origin of single parent²

First recorded in 1965–70

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

As a single parent, she said there was "no way" she would have been able to get a mortgage so shared ownership was "the only option".

From

Valli, who became a single parent when her husband died when Srija was just six, works in a kitchen at a school.

From

However, if you are a single parent or receive certain other benefits, such as universal credit, you can receive the money weekly.

From

In the latest instalment, Bridget - now a 51-year-old widow and single parent - grapples with texts, tweets, dating apps and Botox after the death of her husband, Mark Darcy.

From

Cole raised Jackson as a single parent and has said she would help her daughter navigate motherhood.

From

single out single-payer

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